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Metagenomic gut microbiome analysis of Japanese patients with multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental
Kentaro Watai1,2, Wataru Suda3, Rina Kurokawa3
1Center for Immunology and Allergy, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, 1370-1 Okamoto, Kamakura, Kanagawa, 247-8533, Japan. k_watai@shonankamakura.or.jp.
Background:
Although the pathology of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is unknown, the central nervous system is reportedly involved. The gut microbiota is important in modifying central nervous system diseases. However, the relationship between the gut microbiota and MCS remains unclear. This study aimed to identify gut microbiota variations associated with MCS using shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples.
Methods:
We prospectively recruited 30 consecutive Japanese female patients with MCS and analyzed their gut microbiomes using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The data were compared with metagenomic data obtained from 24 age- and sex-matched Japanese healthy controls (HC).
Results:
We observed no significant difference in alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota between the MCS patients and HC. Focusing on the important changes in the literatures, at the genus level, Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Akkermansia were significantly more abundant in MCS patients than in HC (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively, fold change = 4.03, 1.53, 2.86, respectively). At the species level, Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly more abundant (p = 0.02, fold change = 3.3) and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii significantly less abundant in MCS patients than in HC (p = 0.03, fold change = 0.53). Functional analysis revealed that xylene and dioxin degradation pathways were significantly enriched (p < 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively, fold change = 1.54, 1.46, respectively), whereas pathways involved in amino acid metabolism and synthesis were significantly depleted in MCS (p < 0.01, fold change = 0.96). Pathways related to antimicrobial resistance, including the two-component system and cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance, were also significantly enriched in MCS (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively, fold change = 1.1, 1.2, respectively).
Conclusions:
The gut microbiota of patients with MCS shows dysbiosis and alterations in bacterial functions related to exogenous chemicals and amino acid metabolism and synthesis. These findings may contribute to the further development of treatment for MCS.
Trial Registration:
This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000031031. The date of first trial registration: 28/01/2018.
Insights
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) patients exhibit gut microbiota dysbiosis, with altered bacterial functions. These gut microbiome changes may offer new therapeutic targets for MCS.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Human health
- Environmental medicine
Background:
- The exact pathology of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is unknown, but central nervous system involvement is suspected.
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating central nervous system diseases.
- The relationship between gut microbiota and MCS is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gut microbiota variations in patients with MCS.
- To identify specific bacterial taxa and functional pathways associated with MCS.
Main Methods:
- Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples from 30 Japanese female MCS patients.
- Comparison of gut microbiome data with 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in alpha and beta diversity between MCS patients and HC.
- Increased abundance of Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Akkermansia at the genus level in MCS patients.
- Higher levels of Akkermansia muciniphila and lower levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii at the species level in MCS patients.
- Enriched pathways for xylene and dioxin degradation, and antimicrobial resistance in MCS patients.
- Depleted pathways in amino acid metabolism and synthesis in MCS patients.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota in MCS patients displays dysbiosis.
- Alterations in bacterial functions related to exogenous chemical degradation and amino acid metabolism are observed in MCS.
- These gut microbiome findings may inform future therapeutic strategies for MCS.
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